Forklifts (internal combustion) imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported forklifts (internal combustion) worth $4.95 billion (725.8 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 217 countries for imports of this product. That is 10% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.95B | 725.8K t |
| 2023 | $4.49B | 708.0K t |
| 2022 | $2.73B | 479.7K t |
| 2021 | $1.72B | 315.7K t |
| 2020 | $1.24B | 236.4K t |
| 2019 | $1.78B | 328.7K t |
| 2018 | $1.89B | 326.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.46B | 265.9K t |
Where the United States imports forklifts (internal combustion) from
The largest suppliers were United Kingdom (21%), Mexico (18%), Japan (16%). Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+216% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $1.03B | 21% |
| Mexico | $873.9M | 18% |
| Japan | $810.0M | 16% |
| South Korea | $636.0M | 13% |
| China | $255.2M | 5.2% |
| Ireland | $251.4M | 5.1% |
| Canada | $204.8M | 4.1% |
| France | $192.8M | 3.9% |
| Italy | $157.6M | 3.2% |
| Germany | $107.4M | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.82 per kg, 21% above the world average of $5.62. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Forklifts (internal combustion) exports from the United States
Exports of forklifts (internal combustion) by the United States reached $1.00 billion in 2024 (139.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 5th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 132 countries. The largest buyer markets were Canada (48%), Mexico (26%), Belgium (3%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $476.7M | 48% |
| Mexico | $264.6M | 27% |
| Belgium | $31.5M | 3.2% |
| Brazil | $30.7M | 3.1% |
| Australia | $21.8M | 2.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $15.0M | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $13.4M | 1.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $13.2M | 1.3% |
| Bahamas | $7.6M | 0.8% |
| Chile | $7.4M | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States forklifts (internal combustion) imports (HS 8427.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8427.20: Fork-lift and other works trucks: fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor.
Common questions
What is the value of forklifts (internal combustion) imported by the United States?
The United States imported forklifts (internal combustion) worth $4.95 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 725.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 217 countries worldwide, with 32% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply forklifts (internal combustion) to the United States?
The United Kingdom was the largest supplier with 21% of the value ($1.03 billion), followed by Mexico (18%) and Japan (16%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 216% on the year.
What is the average import price of forklifts (internal combustion) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.82 per kg in 2024, 21% above the world average of $5.62 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of forklifts (internal combustion) to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.46 billion in 2017 to $4.95 billion in 2024, an increase of 239%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.53 billion a year.
Does the United States also export forklifts (internal combustion)?
Yes. The United States exported $1.00 billion worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and Belgium. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $3.95 billion a year.
What is the HS code for forklifts (internal combustion)?
The HS code for forklifts (internal combustion) is subheading 8427.20. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8427 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United States. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World forklifts (internal combustion) trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.